"ADVA MULTO."
Astan clutched at his chest as his heartbeat started to race. He reached out for Mulu and fell down to his knees. As he screamed in pain light burst out from his heart. Mulu waved his staff calling on the powers of the Underworld to do his bidding, Pain raced through his body as he fell to the ground. Sakura turned to face Mulu with fear in his eyes. Astan was dead. Sakura stood there and watched as his mate fell to the ground dead. For a second, he couldn't believe what he had just saw. Could it be real? Could Astan really be dead? If it was true, what was he suppose to do about it?
[Fight it] Sakura heard in his head. [Don't let him have the final said in our lives. Fight it!!]
Sakura reaching behind him, he grabbed for the Lion's Claw. He was sick of all this death and he was not going to give Mulu any power over him or Astan. He would kill Mulu or he would die at the hands of the Hyenen Lord. Mulu jumped back as Sakura came in to attack him. The Lion's Claw glowed with power as it sliced through the air seeking the blood of the Hyenen. Mulu jumped back away from the fight. Enraged he pushed his blade forward, right through Mulu's black heart. As the Claw burned its way through Mulu's chest he screamed as he sent the blade end of his staff into Sakura's chest. So ends the search for the prince's of Aspana. They died together leaving both their families about to go to war.
From the sky, Quyyn and Sky dived down to the gates of Atrua. Both the prince's were dead, but there had to be some way to keep Aspana from tearing itself apart. On the ground at the gate in front of the castle, they watched as D'aryl battled the Hyenen. With slash left and a stab into the middle, D'aryl sent the Hyenen one after the other, down to their last joyous battle. With Mulu dead, they had no choice but to fight their way into the Underworld.
[Well my Love.] Quynn sent out with his love wrapped all around Sky. [This is where it ends. Sakura and Astan are dead. Msia is locked in battle with G'ania Gazzini, while Akani and D'aryl are fighting the Griffins. Aspana has one last chance and that is me and you. If we can't save the continent, then we are finished. There is no hope for any of us.]
[What about your Fathers?] Sky asked. [Can't we ask them for help?]
[I'm afraid not.] Quynn said as he dropped down to land and shift forms. He reached over and took Sky in his arms. As he stared into Sky's eyes, he couldn't help but to tell him how much he loved him. He pulled him in closer for a kiss. [You are and will always be the star that shines in my heart. I love you Snowbird.]
[I love you to Dragonheart.]
As Quynn pulled away from Sky, he reached out and placed his hand over Sky's heart and sent feelings of passion into his mate.
[Until the end of time.] Quynn said as their hands closed and wrapped around each other. After one last kiss, Quynn launched himself into the sky still clutching Sky's hand. As they shifted forms, Quynn sent out his last message to his Fathers and the rest of the clan.
[From the day I was born, I have been honored with the love of the greatest family on Keanna. From my Fathers to my Uncles and Aunts you have protected my and the one who is my mate. We thank you for everyday and for all the love you bestows on us. With one last roar, we honor you and all our entire clan.]
With that last roar, Quynn and Sky dived down through the gate and into eternity.
As Quynn and Sky jerked their selves awake, they looked out at the city towers of New Keanna. They looked from one to the other with the sharp memories of what had just happened in Aspana. Quynn remembered their crash into Atrua's gate. They remembered the pain and the feelings of lost that came from Sakura and Astan's death. They remembered Msia as he and Michioya died at the hands of G'ania Gazzini. They remembered Domina and Igoro Baba and the murder of Lady Shauri. Palas and the Avians to the Chimps and their betrayal.
"Quynn?" Sky said as he reached over and put his hand on Quynn's. "What happened? Are we alive?"
"Yes." Quynn said. "I think so."
Slowly, Sky got up out of the bed. He went to the window and stared out at the city below. It was morning and he could see children as they headed for the school building. Everything seemed normal here. But he could remember clearly his dream about Aspana and the Regent. Sakura and Astan were missing, but then that wasn't right. He knew exactly where they were.
"Did we go to Aspana?" He asked. "Or do we still have to go?"
"I think we have to do it all over again." Quynn said. "But this time we get to do it right."
The End.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
Ashes to ashes, we all fall down. 38
Dark clouds filled the sky as thunder roared and lightning flashed. The Pantherens ran for cover as streaks of energy fell from the clouds as their Regent faced off against the king and his rag tail bunch of rebels.
Msia stood there looking proud with his queen at his side ready to take on anything the Regent could at them. With a round of hysterical G'ania sent a bolt of dark energy at the King. Msia raised his glowing hands and formed a circle in front of him. Screaming like a banshee, the bolt came at them. As it hit the Kings shield, the energy bounced off and flew back at the Regent. With a grim stare, the Regent sent the bolt back to him. As it hit him, G'ania let out a grunt of satisfaction. Msia raised his arms and sent a gout of Dragon fire at G'ania. G'ania raised his shield, but the flames blew right through. G'ania screamed as the flames came in to cover him.
Like two deadly birds one of darkness and one of light, the darkness chased Sky through the air. He dipped and turned to fire bolts of ice back at the dark thing. With each hit, the darkness swelled then contracted itself and sent out a piercing note. Sky turned back to fly straight at the beast.narrowing his wings to be ready for his attack. On came the darkness straight at Sky. It felt no fear just hunger for the soul of the living. As Sky flew at the beast, he fired a string of ice blast at the center of its dark mass. As it swelled with each hit, Sky extended one wing to cut into the dark thing like a razor. As they made contact, Sky felt a series of dark visions of death as he cut into the heart of the thing. Scenes of humans soul were being eaten flashed through Sky's mind. He could feel himself being taken in by the darkness.
[This can't be.] Sky screamed in his mind. But it was true, the darkness was wrapping around him and taking him in.
[Noooooooo!!] Sky screamed as his soul was being swallowed by the monster. [I WILL NOT BE SWALLOWED BY YOU!!]
Squeezing his energy in. Sky sent out his strongest level of cold. In his mind, he did his counted down.
[5. 4. 3. 2. 1 SQEEEEEEEEK!]
As he screamed he released his thermal freezing energy. Waves of ice, then a burst of intense bright heat ripped out of Sky in a single pulse. As it hit the darkness, the monster froze in the air then there was an explosion and it fell and rained black dust down on Aspana. Exhausted, Shy blacked out and fell.
[SKY!!]
Dyrgyn dived out and did a spin knocking all his opponents out of the way then launched himself into the sky. Sliding through the air thermals, Dyrgyn slipped along from heatwave to heatwave until he was under Sky. Once beneath his mate, Dyrgyn curled himself into a circular form and flew up to catch Sky.
[Sky, wake up!!]
As Sky hit Dyrgyn's thermal he woke up. He looked around and found himself riding the wind surrounded by his mate.
"What happened?" He asked.
[You won.] Dyrgyn said as Sky rolled onto his back. [Now we have to get back down there to help.]
As Dyrgyn turned to start on his way down, something slammed into his side and knocked Sky from Dyrgyn's back. As Sky fell he spread out his arms and shifted to his Phoenix form. With his wings spread out in flight, he sent a trail of snow dust behind him.
[Watch your back.] He sent to Dyrgyn. [We have company.]
As Dyrgyn turned, he found he was being chased by a blue feathered Griffin. With a twist and a turn, Dyrgyn sent a blast of flames back at the Griffin. The Griffin did a twist in the air and pounced on Dyrgyn, With his claws out, the Griffin swiped at Dyrgyn, Dyrgyn spun himself around and used his front left leg to block the swipe and with his right, Dyrgyn punched out to connect with the Griffins jaw. Dazed, the Griffin shook his head, then looked up to find out where his target was.
[I'm here Griffin.] Dyrgyn said from fifty yards in front of it. [Waiting for you. Come and dance with me.]
As Msia and G'ania clashed, D'aryl in Lion form came running across the floor. He was on his way to save his queen. As he ran. Hyenen charged in to attack him. D'aryl roared, a Hyenen lunged out and swung his club at him. D'aryl ducked and swung his front paw out and ripped a part of the Hyenens shoulder open. The warrior fell back and dragged his way to a corner where he died. As D'aryl turned, he found he was surrounded by three Hyenen warriors armed and ready to attack.
Slowly D'aryl shifted himself into Wolf form, then he turned to face the Hyenen. His lips curled and a low growl started deep down in his chest. As the Hyenen attacked, D'aryl roared and let out a blast of forge fire that covered two warriors. With his claws flexed, he leaped high into the air slashing out at one warrior, Then he flipped and came down in front of his last opponent and blew his poisonous smoke in the warriors face. As the warrior fell, D'aryl was off to his king and queen's side. From there, D'aryl was at the queen's side in two steps.
"Highness, its time to go."
"I know you're here to protect me but I won't be needing your protection. I can stand on my own."
"You're highness," D'aryl said pleading to her good sense. "This battle will be to the death. I'm sure King Msia would rather you were someplace safe."
[Hmmmm ] The queen thought. [D'aryl seems to have a point.]
Just then she saw a line of Jackels heading straight at her. She opened her hands wide, then crushed them as she pounded into her hand onto a fist. After that the fighting got busy,
the Queen conjured light pellets and shot them straight out at the oncoming Jackels. As D'aryl shifted to his Dragon form, something dropped down from the cliff to land on his back. As the warrior lifted his sword to stab Forge in the back, Forge took a deep breath and forced pressure through his scales. As the warrior sat there, volcanic heat rose up between the Dragons armored plates and set him on fire.
Sakura crossed weapons with Mulu, there was a loud clang as his sword hit Mulu's staff. Spinning around, Sakura slashed out with his sword to again slam into Mulu's unbreakable staff. As Sakura pushed himself away from Mulu, the witch doctor shot a thin bolt of darkness at Sakura. With his sword raised, Sakura caught it and deflected the bolt away.
"How long can you keep this up?" Mulu asked after firing three more bolts. "Eventually your arms will become weak and you won't be able to hold the sword out in front of you."
"You will be surprised at how strong my arm is," Sakura smirked devious smile as he moved his sword around to deflect Mulu's magic. "How long will your magic last? Will you be able to beat both of us?"
"What do you mean both of you?" Mulu cackled. "There is only you, and soon you will visit the land of the dead."
"I'm not alone." Sakura smiled. "I'm never alone."
Just then there was an explosion and the south wall cave in and fell down. Dust and debris filled the air creating a cloud so thick no one could see through it. As the dust began to settle, a bolt of mystic energy streak out through the cloud to hit the floor right next to Mulu. As the Hyenen shamen brushed the dust from his tunic and the cloud cleared, Mulu looked out to see Sakura and Astan standing there in front of him.
"Go find the King," Astan said. "I can keep Mulu entertained."
"Prince Astan." Mulu bowed but he never took his eyes off Astan. "The die has been cast and it's between you and me now. I hope you're up to the battle."
"I am Mulu," Astan said with a smirk. "But can you keep up with me?"
Instead of answering, Mulu lifted his hands to the sky then quickly slammed then down
The sky flashed, then rumbled as black lightning streaked down from the clouds. He skipped then turned and sent the bolts across the clearing at Mulu. With his hands thrust out, Mulu dismissed the electrical spell. Astan spun his hands before him. Spark flew from his hands as he spun them, then he opened then wide and sent mystical black flames out at the dark wizard.
"Not bad young wizard," Mulu said as he dismisses the flames. "But are you familiar with spells like this?"
With his arms spread open wide, Mulu spoke a series of words that hadn't been heard on Keanna in more than a thousand years. First, he spoke softly, then his cadence began to grow louder, and louder until he was screaming. His hands out in front of him held palm to palm. then opened them and slammed them together. As Astan ducked, a dark portal opened in front of him. It rippled and shined in the night air, then something stepped out of the portal. It was big. Bigger than most buildings Astan had ever seen. It was some kind of lizard with a horn, claw and a mouth full of sharp teeth. From its back, six tendrils grew with stingers at the end. Its head was like a one of our runner beast except bigger with more jagged teeth, Astan took a step back and raised his hands in a defensive posture. Mulu laughed at Astan's situation. He knew Astan didn't have much of a chance against the Tagnor, but Mulu would enjoy watching him fire his first bolt. With his hands up, Astan concentrated on what he would use against the monster. Just as he was about to cast the spell, he heard someone call his name in his head. It wasn't loud, it was barely noticeable. But to someone use to mindtalk, it was loud as a bell.
[Sakura.] Astan sent. [Do you hear me?]
[Yes, Love.] Sakura sent. [I'll bet the whole world hears you.]
[I'll tone it done a bit,] He smiled. [I will take Mulu, you take Beast.]
[Where are you?]
[See that cloud behind you? That's me.]
Without any more discussion, Sakura jumped up and launched his self at Mulu. As he roared out his challenge, Sakura flexed his claws and went for the Hyenen shamen. He slashed down catching him unaware. With a scream, he caught Mulu with his defenses down, feeling the pain, he had his shields up and he was back on the offense. Mulu staggered back reeling from the pain of Sakura's blow. After he fashioned a healing spell he dived at Sakura slamming his hands together creating a break in Astan's shield. With his shield down, Mulu used a force spell to grab Astan and throw him against the wall and held him there.
As Mulu walked over to where Astan struggled to get free, He stuck his staff under his neck to force him to look out at him.
"Who do you think you are?" Mulu said. He lifted the staff up and smacked Astan across his stomach. Then he started to laugh like some rabid animal. Astan was beginning to hate his laugh. "I am going to be the master of Aspana. No one will ever dare to say no to me. You won't even be a memory."
"No," Astan said. "There will always be people that remember us. They will be all over Aspana. Our thoughts will be everywhere, in the dark dungeons to here in the jungle. You won't be able to get rid of us no matter what you do,"
"Is that so?" Mulu said. He had a look on his face that scared Astan. He wondered what would be next. "I guess I'll have to kill you."
"You can try." Astan raised his hands to be ready for Mulu's next attack. "I doubt you will succeed.".
"How about I give it a try anyway."
Mulu raised his hands with two fingers on each hand pointing at Astan. As he mumbled his spell, Astan felt the ground start to shake. With a final twist, he shouted out the words.
"ADVA MULTO!!!"
Astan clutched at his chest as his heart started to race. He reached out for Mulu as he fell to his knees. As he screamed light burst from his heart. Mulu shielded his eyes as he backed away. In the center of the light, Astan's magik grew. He went from his master level to something way beyond. Renew in life and power, Astan sent out a burst of energy at Mulu. With his shields raised, Mulu poured power into the strengthen them as much as he could hoping to repell Astan's attack. With a blast of thunder, Astan's energy burst hit Mulu tearing his shields apart and throwing him to the ground. As Mulu shook in fear, Astan walked over glowing in bright light.
"Your rein is over." Astan put his foot down of Mulu's chest. "Aspana deserves peace and with you here we will never have it."
"Do what you want." Mulu sneered. "I may fall now, but I will return. My evil is endless and It will never die!"
"We'll see about that." Astan raised his glowing hand over Mulu. "Myumbo you evil bastard."
As his hand came down, Astan's power slammed into Mulu and he screamed as his body was torn apart and the pieces disappeared in waves of dust.
"MULU IS DEAD!!" Astan shouted as he fell face down in the mud.
As Astan fell, Sakura screamed and shoved the Lion's Claw into the Griffins chest. Pulling his blade free, Sakura ran to Astan's side.
"Love?" He picked the Tigeran up and hugged him. "Please be alright. I can't live without you."
"Don't worry." Astan said. "We'll grow old in our country cottage always together."
"Yes we will." Sakura pulled him up into a deep kiss. "Is it over yet?"
"There's still G'ania Gazini to deal with." Sakura pulled Astan up to a standing position. "We need to get into the Palace."
"We'll need help/" Sakura turned away [GARN!!!!!]
[Quynn.] Astan sent out.[We're heading into the palace. Meet us there when your done with the Griffins.]
[We'll be right with you.]
As Dyrgyn spun he sent short blasts of heat back at Nereus. With a twist and a turn, Nereus dodged the blast and steered himself closer to Dyrgyn. As he reached his claw up to rip open Dyrgyn's chest, Drygyn kicked back delivering a massive blow to Nereus. The Griffin fell back tumbling through the air. Sky, in his Phoenix form was busy blasting a group of Griffins. Frozen, the Griffins screamed for Nereus to come and set them free. Weakened by his fall, Nereus climbed to his feet and crawled to the ice mound full of Griffins. As he raised his claw to smash the mound, Dyrgyn stepped in to grab his fist.
"It's over Nereus." Quynn knelt down to face the Griffin. "I have a deal for you. You and your brothers will have the chance to prove your honor. Now that Mulu is dead, you will lead the Hyenens. Now, I have one more suggestion. I have flown with you. You fight fair, You have traits that make you a candidate to impress a Dragon."
In a flash, Nereus shifted forms. He stood naked in front of Quynn looking down on him.
"Me? A Dragon? Your kind has always been my enemy. Why should I join you?"
"Why indeed." Quynn smiled. "You could never impress, What was I thinking?"
"I am just as worthy as anyone here in Aspana. I will prove it."
"Then you accept my offer?"
"Yes, we accept."
"Then get your brothers free." Quynn said. "We will meet you back in Hyenen. Come on Sky. We may be needed."
As Astan and Sakura stood outside of the place, lightning crashed as the walls shook in the palace. Astan tried again and again to teleport in, but there must have been some kind of shield around the palace. No matter how many times he tried, he couldn't even move himself across the field.
"What do we do?" Astan asked. "I can't get us in."
"We trust my father." Sakura reached over and took Astan's hand. "He's never disappointed me."
As they watched the palace rock, smoke started to rise out of the jungle behind them. A Tigaran warrior ran up and shook Astan then pointed to the smoke.
"By Rimnar." Astan said. "What now?"
The smoke rose high and spread out into huge cloud. Astan and Sakura stood back and watched as a line of animals charged in towards them. In the center of the line, a great Elephant came in trumpeting his arrival. Atop the Elephant sat a dark skinned boy with golden eyes.
"Garn?" Sakura scratched his head puzzled.
"Come my friends and we will get you in."
As Astan and Sakura joined the line, Garn moved himself to sit on top of the Elephant's head.
"On M'butu, hit it hard!!"
Like a battering ram M'butu charged on. His speed was incredible, But then, his speed wasn't the thing that would get them into the palace. Garn stood on top of the Elephants head, he spread his arms and spoke the words of his spell.
"UNA MICHA TROMBATO ISHA."
As the Elephant hit the wall, sparks flew up from the point of contact. A hole appeared and they disappeared down the rabbit hole. Seconds later as light filled they're eyes, they appeared in the Hall of Pantheran Kings. They were both now dressed in there royal attire. One black the other white pantaloons. Astan wore a Tigar stripped tunic while Sakura was dressed in tan and gold. As they came riding in, Pantheran warriors attacked. Sakura pulled Lion's claw and dived right in. He slashed and stabbed his way into the palace foyer. Astan at his side used a mystical whip that whipped out to strike G'ania's minion as they came in to engage. M'butu made his shift to his Human form and joined in the fight. As he swung his mighty hands, the Pantherans were bowled over or squash by his heavy weight. At the Elephant's side, Garn fought against anyone that opposed King Msia. By his side two Jaguar's laid waste to enemies as they attacked.
As the battle raged on, Dyrgyn and Sky, took off into the air to help thin out the Regent's pack of warriors. In a version much smaller then his usual, Dyrgyn dropped down to grab an enemy and pulled him up high where he could drop them to die smashed among the destroyed palace furniture.
as Astan fought a heavy Pantheran with a wild mustache, he heard a voice calling out to fin.
[Astan.]
[Uncle?] He sent out. [ I thought you had passed on.]
[I will always be no more then a call away, if you need me. and right now, Atrua needs me.]
[Zakia!] Astan sent when he recognize the thought pattern. [What is it Uncle?]
[Send Sakura in to replace your father. He is the one that needs to beat G'ania Gazzini.]
Without think, Astan sent a wave of power out to throw off his attacked, then he messaged Sakura.
[Love, its your turn.] He sent. [I defeated Mulu, now its your turn to defeat G'ania Gazzini]
[How?] He asked. [We can't even get into the palace]
[I can get you in.] Sakura grabbed his arm and pulled him to the palace gates. [Close your eyes and think about your father. Be brave, my love. And you better win.]
As Astan reached high over Sakura's head, He said a brief incantation.
"TAKE HIM HOME."
As the magik swirled out, Sakura disappeared. For a second he felt sad, disappointed not to be at Astan's side. Then he looked out and saw the enemies advancing on him. There was only one thing to say.
"Good luck my Love."
Msia stood there looking proud with his queen at his side ready to take on anything the Regent could at them. With a round of hysterical G'ania sent a bolt of dark energy at the King. Msia raised his glowing hands and formed a circle in front of him. Screaming like a banshee, the bolt came at them. As it hit the Kings shield, the energy bounced off and flew back at the Regent. With a grim stare, the Regent sent the bolt back to him. As it hit him, G'ania let out a grunt of satisfaction. Msia raised his arms and sent a gout of Dragon fire at G'ania. G'ania raised his shield, but the flames blew right through. G'ania screamed as the flames came in to cover him.
Like two deadly birds one of darkness and one of light, the darkness chased Sky through the air. He dipped and turned to fire bolts of ice back at the dark thing. With each hit, the darkness swelled then contracted itself and sent out a piercing note. Sky turned back to fly straight at the beast.narrowing his wings to be ready for his attack. On came the darkness straight at Sky. It felt no fear just hunger for the soul of the living. As Sky flew at the beast, he fired a string of ice blast at the center of its dark mass. As it swelled with each hit, Sky extended one wing to cut into the dark thing like a razor. As they made contact, Sky felt a series of dark visions of death as he cut into the heart of the thing. Scenes of humans soul were being eaten flashed through Sky's mind. He could feel himself being taken in by the darkness.
[This can't be.] Sky screamed in his mind. But it was true, the darkness was wrapping around him and taking him in.
[Noooooooo!!] Sky screamed as his soul was being swallowed by the monster. [I WILL NOT BE SWALLOWED BY YOU!!]
Squeezing his energy in. Sky sent out his strongest level of cold. In his mind, he did his counted down.
[5. 4. 3. 2. 1 SQEEEEEEEEK!]
As he screamed he released his thermal freezing energy. Waves of ice, then a burst of intense bright heat ripped out of Sky in a single pulse. As it hit the darkness, the monster froze in the air then there was an explosion and it fell and rained black dust down on Aspana. Exhausted, Shy blacked out and fell.
[SKY!!]
Dyrgyn dived out and did a spin knocking all his opponents out of the way then launched himself into the sky. Sliding through the air thermals, Dyrgyn slipped along from heatwave to heatwave until he was under Sky. Once beneath his mate, Dyrgyn curled himself into a circular form and flew up to catch Sky.
[Sky, wake up!!]
As Sky hit Dyrgyn's thermal he woke up. He looked around and found himself riding the wind surrounded by his mate.
"What happened?" He asked.
[You won.] Dyrgyn said as Sky rolled onto his back. [Now we have to get back down there to help.]
As Dyrgyn turned to start on his way down, something slammed into his side and knocked Sky from Dyrgyn's back. As Sky fell he spread out his arms and shifted to his Phoenix form. With his wings spread out in flight, he sent a trail of snow dust behind him.
[Watch your back.] He sent to Dyrgyn. [We have company.]
As Dyrgyn turned, he found he was being chased by a blue feathered Griffin. With a twist and a turn, Dyrgyn sent a blast of flames back at the Griffin. The Griffin did a twist in the air and pounced on Dyrgyn, With his claws out, the Griffin swiped at Dyrgyn, Dyrgyn spun himself around and used his front left leg to block the swipe and with his right, Dyrgyn punched out to connect with the Griffins jaw. Dazed, the Griffin shook his head, then looked up to find out where his target was.
[I'm here Griffin.] Dyrgyn said from fifty yards in front of it. [Waiting for you. Come and dance with me.]
As Msia and G'ania clashed, D'aryl in Lion form came running across the floor. He was on his way to save his queen. As he ran. Hyenen charged in to attack him. D'aryl roared, a Hyenen lunged out and swung his club at him. D'aryl ducked and swung his front paw out and ripped a part of the Hyenens shoulder open. The warrior fell back and dragged his way to a corner where he died. As D'aryl turned, he found he was surrounded by three Hyenen warriors armed and ready to attack.
Slowly D'aryl shifted himself into Wolf form, then he turned to face the Hyenen. His lips curled and a low growl started deep down in his chest. As the Hyenen attacked, D'aryl roared and let out a blast of forge fire that covered two warriors. With his claws flexed, he leaped high into the air slashing out at one warrior, Then he flipped and came down in front of his last opponent and blew his poisonous smoke in the warriors face. As the warrior fell, D'aryl was off to his king and queen's side. From there, D'aryl was at the queen's side in two steps.
"Highness, its time to go."
"I know you're here to protect me but I won't be needing your protection. I can stand on my own."
"You're highness," D'aryl said pleading to her good sense. "This battle will be to the death. I'm sure King Msia would rather you were someplace safe."
[Hmmmm ] The queen thought. [D'aryl seems to have a point.]
Just then she saw a line of Jackels heading straight at her. She opened her hands wide, then crushed them as she pounded into her hand onto a fist. After that the fighting got busy,
the Queen conjured light pellets and shot them straight out at the oncoming Jackels. As D'aryl shifted to his Dragon form, something dropped down from the cliff to land on his back. As the warrior lifted his sword to stab Forge in the back, Forge took a deep breath and forced pressure through his scales. As the warrior sat there, volcanic heat rose up between the Dragons armored plates and set him on fire.
Sakura crossed weapons with Mulu, there was a loud clang as his sword hit Mulu's staff. Spinning around, Sakura slashed out with his sword to again slam into Mulu's unbreakable staff. As Sakura pushed himself away from Mulu, the witch doctor shot a thin bolt of darkness at Sakura. With his sword raised, Sakura caught it and deflected the bolt away.
"How long can you keep this up?" Mulu asked after firing three more bolts. "Eventually your arms will become weak and you won't be able to hold the sword out in front of you."
"You will be surprised at how strong my arm is," Sakura smirked devious smile as he moved his sword around to deflect Mulu's magic. "How long will your magic last? Will you be able to beat both of us?"
"What do you mean both of you?" Mulu cackled. "There is only you, and soon you will visit the land of the dead."
"I'm not alone." Sakura smiled. "I'm never alone."
Just then there was an explosion and the south wall cave in and fell down. Dust and debris filled the air creating a cloud so thick no one could see through it. As the dust began to settle, a bolt of mystic energy streak out through the cloud to hit the floor right next to Mulu. As the Hyenen shamen brushed the dust from his tunic and the cloud cleared, Mulu looked out to see Sakura and Astan standing there in front of him.
"Go find the King," Astan said. "I can keep Mulu entertained."
"Prince Astan." Mulu bowed but he never took his eyes off Astan. "The die has been cast and it's between you and me now. I hope you're up to the battle."
"I am Mulu," Astan said with a smirk. "But can you keep up with me?"
Instead of answering, Mulu lifted his hands to the sky then quickly slammed then down
The sky flashed, then rumbled as black lightning streaked down from the clouds. He skipped then turned and sent the bolts across the clearing at Mulu. With his hands thrust out, Mulu dismissed the electrical spell. Astan spun his hands before him. Spark flew from his hands as he spun them, then he opened then wide and sent mystical black flames out at the dark wizard.
"Not bad young wizard," Mulu said as he dismisses the flames. "But are you familiar with spells like this?"
With his arms spread open wide, Mulu spoke a series of words that hadn't been heard on Keanna in more than a thousand years. First, he spoke softly, then his cadence began to grow louder, and louder until he was screaming. His hands out in front of him held palm to palm. then opened them and slammed them together. As Astan ducked, a dark portal opened in front of him. It rippled and shined in the night air, then something stepped out of the portal. It was big. Bigger than most buildings Astan had ever seen. It was some kind of lizard with a horn, claw and a mouth full of sharp teeth. From its back, six tendrils grew with stingers at the end. Its head was like a one of our runner beast except bigger with more jagged teeth, Astan took a step back and raised his hands in a defensive posture. Mulu laughed at Astan's situation. He knew Astan didn't have much of a chance against the Tagnor, but Mulu would enjoy watching him fire his first bolt. With his hands up, Astan concentrated on what he would use against the monster. Just as he was about to cast the spell, he heard someone call his name in his head. It wasn't loud, it was barely noticeable. But to someone use to mindtalk, it was loud as a bell.
[Sakura.] Astan sent. [Do you hear me?]
[Yes, Love.] Sakura sent. [I'll bet the whole world hears you.]
[I'll tone it done a bit,] He smiled. [I will take Mulu, you take Beast.]
[Where are you?]
[See that cloud behind you? That's me.]
Without any more discussion, Sakura jumped up and launched his self at Mulu. As he roared out his challenge, Sakura flexed his claws and went for the Hyenen shamen. He slashed down catching him unaware. With a scream, he caught Mulu with his defenses down, feeling the pain, he had his shields up and he was back on the offense. Mulu staggered back reeling from the pain of Sakura's blow. After he fashioned a healing spell he dived at Sakura slamming his hands together creating a break in Astan's shield. With his shield down, Mulu used a force spell to grab Astan and throw him against the wall and held him there.
As Mulu walked over to where Astan struggled to get free, He stuck his staff under his neck to force him to look out at him.
"Who do you think you are?" Mulu said. He lifted the staff up and smacked Astan across his stomach. Then he started to laugh like some rabid animal. Astan was beginning to hate his laugh. "I am going to be the master of Aspana. No one will ever dare to say no to me. You won't even be a memory."
"No," Astan said. "There will always be people that remember us. They will be all over Aspana. Our thoughts will be everywhere, in the dark dungeons to here in the jungle. You won't be able to get rid of us no matter what you do,"
"Is that so?" Mulu said. He had a look on his face that scared Astan. He wondered what would be next. "I guess I'll have to kill you."
"You can try." Astan raised his hands to be ready for Mulu's next attack. "I doubt you will succeed.".
"How about I give it a try anyway."
Mulu raised his hands with two fingers on each hand pointing at Astan. As he mumbled his spell, Astan felt the ground start to shake. With a final twist, he shouted out the words.
"ADVA MULTO!!!"
Astan clutched at his chest as his heart started to race. He reached out for Mulu as he fell to his knees. As he screamed light burst from his heart. Mulu shielded his eyes as he backed away. In the center of the light, Astan's magik grew. He went from his master level to something way beyond. Renew in life and power, Astan sent out a burst of energy at Mulu. With his shields raised, Mulu poured power into the strengthen them as much as he could hoping to repell Astan's attack. With a blast of thunder, Astan's energy burst hit Mulu tearing his shields apart and throwing him to the ground. As Mulu shook in fear, Astan walked over glowing in bright light.
"Your rein is over." Astan put his foot down of Mulu's chest. "Aspana deserves peace and with you here we will never have it."
"Do what you want." Mulu sneered. "I may fall now, but I will return. My evil is endless and It will never die!"
"We'll see about that." Astan raised his glowing hand over Mulu. "Myumbo you evil bastard."
As his hand came down, Astan's power slammed into Mulu and he screamed as his body was torn apart and the pieces disappeared in waves of dust.
"MULU IS DEAD!!" Astan shouted as he fell face down in the mud.
As Astan fell, Sakura screamed and shoved the Lion's Claw into the Griffins chest. Pulling his blade free, Sakura ran to Astan's side.
"Love?" He picked the Tigeran up and hugged him. "Please be alright. I can't live without you."
"Don't worry." Astan said. "We'll grow old in our country cottage always together."
"Yes we will." Sakura pulled him up into a deep kiss. "Is it over yet?"
"There's still G'ania Gazini to deal with." Sakura pulled Astan up to a standing position. "We need to get into the Palace."
"We'll need help/" Sakura turned away [GARN!!!!!]
[Quynn.] Astan sent out.[We're heading into the palace. Meet us there when your done with the Griffins.]
[We'll be right with you.]
As Dyrgyn spun he sent short blasts of heat back at Nereus. With a twist and a turn, Nereus dodged the blast and steered himself closer to Dyrgyn. As he reached his claw up to rip open Dyrgyn's chest, Drygyn kicked back delivering a massive blow to Nereus. The Griffin fell back tumbling through the air. Sky, in his Phoenix form was busy blasting a group of Griffins. Frozen, the Griffins screamed for Nereus to come and set them free. Weakened by his fall, Nereus climbed to his feet and crawled to the ice mound full of Griffins. As he raised his claw to smash the mound, Dyrgyn stepped in to grab his fist.
"It's over Nereus." Quynn knelt down to face the Griffin. "I have a deal for you. You and your brothers will have the chance to prove your honor. Now that Mulu is dead, you will lead the Hyenens. Now, I have one more suggestion. I have flown with you. You fight fair, You have traits that make you a candidate to impress a Dragon."
In a flash, Nereus shifted forms. He stood naked in front of Quynn looking down on him.
"Me? A Dragon? Your kind has always been my enemy. Why should I join you?"
"Why indeed." Quynn smiled. "You could never impress, What was I thinking?"
"I am just as worthy as anyone here in Aspana. I will prove it."
"Then you accept my offer?"
"Yes, we accept."
"Then get your brothers free." Quynn said. "We will meet you back in Hyenen. Come on Sky. We may be needed."
As Astan and Sakura stood outside of the place, lightning crashed as the walls shook in the palace. Astan tried again and again to teleport in, but there must have been some kind of shield around the palace. No matter how many times he tried, he couldn't even move himself across the field.
"What do we do?" Astan asked. "I can't get us in."
"We trust my father." Sakura reached over and took Astan's hand. "He's never disappointed me."
As they watched the palace rock, smoke started to rise out of the jungle behind them. A Tigaran warrior ran up and shook Astan then pointed to the smoke.
"By Rimnar." Astan said. "What now?"
The smoke rose high and spread out into huge cloud. Astan and Sakura stood back and watched as a line of animals charged in towards them. In the center of the line, a great Elephant came in trumpeting his arrival. Atop the Elephant sat a dark skinned boy with golden eyes.
"Garn?" Sakura scratched his head puzzled.
"Come my friends and we will get you in."
As Astan and Sakura joined the line, Garn moved himself to sit on top of the Elephant's head.
"On M'butu, hit it hard!!"
Like a battering ram M'butu charged on. His speed was incredible, But then, his speed wasn't the thing that would get them into the palace. Garn stood on top of the Elephants head, he spread his arms and spoke the words of his spell.
"UNA MICHA TROMBATO ISHA."
As the Elephant hit the wall, sparks flew up from the point of contact. A hole appeared and they disappeared down the rabbit hole. Seconds later as light filled they're eyes, they appeared in the Hall of Pantheran Kings. They were both now dressed in there royal attire. One black the other white pantaloons. Astan wore a Tigar stripped tunic while Sakura was dressed in tan and gold. As they came riding in, Pantheran warriors attacked. Sakura pulled Lion's claw and dived right in. He slashed and stabbed his way into the palace foyer. Astan at his side used a mystical whip that whipped out to strike G'ania's minion as they came in to engage. M'butu made his shift to his Human form and joined in the fight. As he swung his mighty hands, the Pantherans were bowled over or squash by his heavy weight. At the Elephant's side, Garn fought against anyone that opposed King Msia. By his side two Jaguar's laid waste to enemies as they attacked.
As the battle raged on, Dyrgyn and Sky, took off into the air to help thin out the Regent's pack of warriors. In a version much smaller then his usual, Dyrgyn dropped down to grab an enemy and pulled him up high where he could drop them to die smashed among the destroyed palace furniture.
as Astan fought a heavy Pantheran with a wild mustache, he heard a voice calling out to fin.
[Astan.]
[Uncle?] He sent out. [ I thought you had passed on.]
[I will always be no more then a call away, if you need me. and right now, Atrua needs me.]
[Zakia!] Astan sent when he recognize the thought pattern. [What is it Uncle?]
[Send Sakura in to replace your father. He is the one that needs to beat G'ania Gazzini.]
Without think, Astan sent a wave of power out to throw off his attacked, then he messaged Sakura.
[Love, its your turn.] He sent. [I defeated Mulu, now its your turn to defeat G'ania Gazzini]
[How?] He asked. [We can't even get into the palace]
[I can get you in.] Sakura grabbed his arm and pulled him to the palace gates. [Close your eyes and think about your father. Be brave, my love. And you better win.]
As Astan reached high over Sakura's head, He said a brief incantation.
"TAKE HIM HOME."
As the magik swirled out, Sakura disappeared. For a second he felt sad, disappointed not to be at Astan's side. Then he looked out and saw the enemies advancing on him. There was only one thing to say.
"Good luck my Love."
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